BMS students recognized for outstanding academic performance
Posted on August 27, 2026
Four students in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program at the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine have been named recipients of the 2025-26 Edwin R. Hughes Memorial Award.
Catherine Bostwick, Katlyn Bouler, Stefan Bourgeois and Makala Cox received the award in recognition of their outstanding academic performance during their first year in the BMS Ph.D. program. The four students tied for the highest academic performance in IDL 580 and IDL 581, the program’s interdisciplinary first-year core curriculum. They received the awards during the BMS program’s Meet & Greet event Aug. 14.
The award honors the memory of Dr. Edwin R. Hughes, who served as director of the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program from its inception in 1978 until 1990.
Catherine Bostwick
Bostwick is conducting her graduate research in the laboratory of Mike Lin, Ph.D., in the Neuroscience track. Her research focuses on the effects of tau on amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing during infection. She is currently working to validate a biological system that will help determine which proteins interact with APP during infection.
“This first year has been very informative. I have learned much in the lab and have really enjoyed seeing the way everyone genuinely wants us to succeed, both in class and in our careers,” she said. “This award was unexpected, but I am glad and thankful to have received it.”
Katlyn Bouler
Bouler is conducting her graduate research in the laboratory of Kevin Lee, Ph.D., in the Cancer Biology track. Her research focuses on how cervical cancer evades the immune system through the use of novel markers.
“Looking back on my first year of graduate school, I’m proud of how much I challenged myself and grew along the way,” she said. “Receiving this award makes that hard work feel especially meaningful and reminds me of what I’m capable of achieving.”
Stefan Bourgeois
Bourgeois is conducting his graduate research in the laboratory of Ash Prakash, Ph.D., in the Cancer Biology track. His research investigates how genetic changes in PMS2, a gene involved in repairing damaged DNA, can affect cancer risk. He is systematically testing thousands of PMS2 variants to determine which ones impair DNA repair.
Ultimately, his work aims to improve understanding of Lynch syndrome and help clinicians better interpret genetic variants identified in patients.
“I have learned more in my first year in the program than in any other year of my life. Most notably, I have learned the importance of self-motivation and perseverance,” he said. “Winning this award means a great deal to me because it reminds me that the long hours, setbacks and challenges are all part of the process, and that continuing to push forward is what ultimately leads to success.”
Makala Cox
Cox is conducting her graduate research in the laboratory of Glen Borchert, Ph.D., in the Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics track. Her research explores the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) as a strategy to target specific bacteria.
With antibiotic resistance on the rise and concerns about the effects of antibiotics on the normal microbiota, her project aims to evaluate whether RNAi could be used to selectively combat harmful bacteria while minimizing disruption to beneficial microbes.
“My first year in the program has been an incredible experience, and I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to work with,” she said. “I owe much of my success to the support and encouragement I have received from my lab and cohort, and I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such amazing people.”
